Hockey's imminent return has fans focused on the next major piece of information — the schedule, which was released Saturday. Teams will play a 48-game schedule from Jan. 19 until Apr. 27, with the playoffs beginning on Apr. 30. Bettman earlier this week promised the prompt announcement after the CBA was approved.

Training camps will open on Sunday for all 30 teams. Players have been gathering since before word of a CBA deal and working out informally. Now, teams can open facilities to their players and training can begin under the guidance of coaches.

The 36-hour electronic voting process for the 700-plus players ended this morning.

A tentative agreement was reached last Sunday on the 113th day of the lockout.

The two sides finally got a deal completed after a 16-hour negotiating session in New York and assistance from federal mediator Scot L. Beckenbaugh.

NHL team owners ratified the deal Wednesday. The new deal is for 10 years, but either side can opt out after eight. The previous collective bargaining agreement was in effect for seven seasons.

The lockout began in mid-September and forced the cancellation of 510 games, including the Winter Classic and All-Star game.

Many NHL players have taken part in informal skates at practice rinks over the last week to prepare for the shortened camp and season.